Twitter could aid weight loss, say researchers

New data has found that people who read motivational messages on Twitter are more likely to lose weight.

US researchers from the University of South Carolina's Arnold School of Public Health, found that for every ten motivational Twitter updates a person read, they lost an average of 0.5 per cent of their body weight.

It is thought that the site acts as a support system to inspire dieters to carry on with their weight loss.

Talking about the study, lead researcher, Brie Turner-McGrievy, told dailynauk.co.uk: "The results show that those who regularly used Twitter as part of a mobile weight loss programme lost more weight."

She added: "Traditional behavioural weight loss interventions generally provide social support through weekly, face-to-face group meetings. While we know this is effective, it is costly and can create a high degree of burden on participants."

According to dh.gov.uk, 62.8 per cent of adults (aged 16 or over) in the UK are overweight or obese. As well as overeating, being overweight is also linked to emotional issues and those wanting to lose weight may find counselling courses of use too.

The survey involved participants downloading podcasts and apps. It found that those who had downloaded the Twitter app lost the most weight.